Big Creek Horse Camp

The only horse camp in the Great Smoky Mountains with potable water and flushing toilets, Big Creek Horse Camp is located on the far northeastern side of Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee. This campsite sits along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek and offers miles of horse trails with breathtaking scenic backdrops. You must have a horse to camp at Big Creek Horse Camp. The rolling terrain surrounding the campsite makes for some of the best horseback riding trails in the park. Numerous trails are accessible from Big Creek, and for riders looking for a little hiking, the Appalachian Trail can be easily reached via the 2.1 mile Chestnut Branch Trail, located within walking distance from the camp. There is also a day use horse area, so invite your horse riding friends and family for a fun day even if they don't want to camp with you. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams that snake through the mountains, with rainbow and brook trout available in abundance, particularly during spring months. Big Creek Horse Camp is fairly primitive, providing only the basic amenities, but an unforgettable outdoors experience. The sites are large, and the facility does offer flush toilets, drinking water and plenty of shade. Since horses are not permitted in the camping area, horse stalls and hitching rails are provided to guests. There are no hookups or showers at the campground, but water is available from the campground spigot. At a 1,700 foot elevation, Big Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The camp is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams. Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is reachable by horseback or on foot via the Big Creek trailhead located on-site. The beautiful falls splits over moss covered rocks and falls about 20 ft. before pooling and falling another 15 ft. into Big Creek. The trail is covered in wildflowers during spring months. The Big Creek Group Campground is located nearby, with plenty of space for larger groups. Full service grocery stores and medical facilities are located 16 miles away in Newport, Tennessee.